16/11/2021
[11/16, 9:36 AM] Oni Joy Healthgarde: Goitre is a condition in which the thyroid gland grows larger. The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck, below the Adam's apple.
[11/16, 9:37 AM] Oni Joy Healthgarde: The thyroid gland produces the hormones thyroxin, which play a role in certain bodily functions, including body temperature, mood and excitability, pulse rate, digestion and others. There are two types of goitre which are: diffuse goitre and nodular goitre.
Causes and treatment
A goiter can be caused by a variety of factors and conditions, and treatment ranges from watchful waiting (no treatment) to surgery.
• Simple goiters develop when the thyroid gland does not make enough hormones to meet the body's needs. The thyroid gland tries to make up for this shortage by growing larger.
• Endemic goiters occur in people in certain parts of the world who do not get enough iodine in their diet (iodine is necessary to make thyroid hormone).
• Some medications can also cause the swelling of the thyroid gland. For example, mental health medications.
• Hormone changes during puberty, pregnancy or the menopause, etc.
• Lifestyle practices e.g. smoking, etc.
Symptoms
• coughing
• a tight feeling in your throat
• changes to your voice, such as hoarseness
• difficulty swallowing
• difficulty breathing – there may be a high-pitched sound when you breathe
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